Cessna 172 N9548W accident near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll due to distraction by the passenger window being unsecured, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway distance marker. Contributing to the accident was pilot’s failure to ensure that the passenger window was secured.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he left the windows open while completing the Start-up checklist and while taxiing to the runway. During the takeoff roll, he noticed that the passenger window was unsecured. While attempting to secure the window, he momentarily took his eyes off the runway. As he looked back at the runway, the airplane was traveling to the left side of the runway. With insufficient runway to correct direction, the airplane impacted a runway distance marker sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA472 for the full record.